Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Henry Jackson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05543 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Middle Brook, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 June 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 30.4 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses their correspondence and friendship, affirming that he feels "the same sublime disinterested friendship for you that has existed in both our bosoms for so long." Also discusses the possible appointment of the French general Charles Tronson du Coudray as commander of artillery, and asserts "no other person shall Supersede me the instant the Congress Confirms his appointment I shall leave the Service." Notes that other officers were making the same threats.

The threats from generals Knox, Nathanael Greene, and John Sullivan, prompted congress to appoint Tronson du Coudray inspector general in charge of the works in Delaware instead.

[Excerpt:]
The French Gentleman you mention no no [sic] other person shall supersede me. The instant the Congress Confirms his appointment I shall leave the Service. But the Genl and all the General Officers think they cannot exhibit such a piece of ingratitude-but if they should I retire.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Tronson du Coudray, Charles, 1738-1777

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